Current:Home > reviewsVideo shows 'world's fanciest' McDonald's, complete with grand piano, gutted by Helene -ProfitMasters Hub
Video shows 'world's fanciest' McDonald's, complete with grand piano, gutted by Helene
View
Date:2025-04-22 05:18:58
A pretty special McDonald's took a big hit after Hurricane Helene rolled into North Carolina, which caused unprecedented devastation and destruction to a number of states across the Southeast.
The McDonald's, located in Asheville, was one of many structures in the historic Biltmore Village, an 8,000-acre property affected by "catastrophic flooding," according to reporting by Florida Today, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Biltmore Village is expected to remain closed until Tuesday, Oct. 15, but may remain shuttered longer as crews begin to assess the damages caused by the storm, which killed at least 200 people.
The McDonald's franchise, built in 2000, was renovated to exude the "high-society elegance" that other bars, restaurants, clothing stores within the Biltmore Village, and was dubbed the "world's fanciest" McDonald's, according to reporting by Atlas Obscura.
Before Hurricane Helene completely gutted the inside of the McDonald's, customers were greeted with red oak tables, wrought iron railings, "and luminous chandeliers under a sweeping pressed-tin ceiling, with every wood feature boasting a handsome finish," Atlas Obscura reported.
A baby grand piano stationed in the corner only elevated the dining experience, playing music as customers waited for their orders or tucked into Big Macs and Chicken McNuggets, Atlas Obscura reported. The McDonald's even had a giant stone chimney.
USA TODAY has reached out to McDonald's for additional information.
Watch: 'World's fanciest' McDonald's left in ruins after Hurricane Helene
As an Uber and Lyft driver, Vitor Sa drives by the corner everyday despite never eating there, he told USA TODAY on Friday. The fancy McDonald's is now caked by at least a foot of mud, Sa said.
"I have passengers this week that I picked up and their family is just like 'We're not going to be able to go to McDonald's and Wendy's anymore this week,' because they're all closed. They're completely destroyed," Sa said. "Their kids are missing the McDonald's that was there."
Contributing: Anthony Robledo
veryGood! (4586)
Related
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- US military targets Houthi radar sites in Yemen after a merchant sailor goes missing
- Maryland Gov. Wes Moore set to issue 175,000 pardons for marijuana convictions
- Eight Israeli soldiers killed in southern Gaza, IDF says
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Bryson DeChambeau wins another U.S. Open with a clutch finish to deny Rory McIlroy
- Nashville court grapples with details on school shooter that were leaked to media
- The Ripken Way: How a father's lessons passed down can help your young athlete today
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- AI experimentation is high risk, high reward for low-profile political campaigns
Ranking
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- German police shot a man allegedly threatening them with an ax in Euro 2024 host city Hamburg
- Caitlin Clark's best WNBA game caps big weekend for women's sports in Indianapolis
- Biden raises $30 million at Hollywood fundraiser featuring Obama, campaign says
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- Scooter Braun says he’s no longer a music manager, will focus on Hybe duties and his children
- Peruvian research team works to track infectious disease in tropical regions
- 2 killed, 14 injured in shooting at Juneteenth celebration in Texas park
Recommendation
South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
Russell Crowe Calls Out Dakota Johnson's Criticism of Her Madame Web Experience
2 people seriously injured after small plane crashes near interstate south of Denver
Father's Day deals: Get food and restaurant discounts from Applebee's, KFC, Arby's, Denny's, more
The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
Biden raises $30 million at Hollywood fundraiser featuring Obama, campaign says
Nashville court grapples with details on school shooter that were leaked to media
Demi Moore and Emma Heming Share Sweet Photos of Bruce Willis With Family in Father’s Day Tribute